Things are off to a smooth start for new Detroit Lions defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers. After a decade alongside Todd Bowles in Tampa Bay, Rodgers came to Detroit to replace Terrell Williams and is now stepping into a defensive front packed with talent—and high expectations.
Rodgers admits the Lions’ roster played a major role in luring him to Detroit. “You look for good opportunities,” he said, praising the culture Dan Campbell has built and the chance to work with guys he’s long admired from afar.
Among them: edge rusher Marcus Davenport.
Davenport’s potential has never been in doubt—his durability, on the other hand, definitely has. He’s played just six games over the last two seasons, including a mere two for the Lions last year before a triceps injury ended his season in Week 3. Rodgers is making it clear: keeping Davenport healthy is priority No. 1.
“This guy’s a tremendous player,” Rodgers said. “We’ve got to do everything we can to get him through 16, 17 games and see what happens.”
Rodgers understands some of Davenport’s setbacks have been pure bad luck—“freaky” injuries, as he puts it—but he’s committed to managing the veteran’s workload and getting him to the finish line this time.
“You got this—let somebody else get that,” Rodgers said. “Because this guy will be a big asset to the people.”
At his peak with the Saints in 2021, Davenport racked up nine sacks in just 11 games. The Lions believe if he can stay on the field, he can be a major piece of their defensive puzzle, joining Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, DJ Reader, rookie Tyleik Williams, and others in one of the NFL’s deepest D-lines.
For now, it’s all about staying healthy—and Rodgers is hoping 2025 is the year Davenport finally puts it all together.
Lions’ New D-Line Coach Wants a Full Season From Marcus Davenport—and Knows It Won’t Be Easy
